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Introduction - Networking the DSP 322ua
Notes on Network System Design:
As with any communications system, the reliability and performance of a local area network (LAN) is intimately related to the
designer's skill and knowledge in implementing a topology that is robust, efficient and standards-compliant. Proper network design is
even more critical in distributed multimedia systems. Therefore, it is important for the system designer to realize that some conven-
tional network practices could have an impact on the ability of the audio control system to provide real-time performance. Although
each network design is unique and may carry its own performance requirements, the following points will assist in building an audio
network that is trouble free and efficient.
First, we recommend designing a network that is to be used exclusively for “QSControl.net” communications. Rest assured, your DSP
322ua has been designed to communicate over standard10Base-T Ethernet using standard network protocols and standard network
hardware. As such, DSP 322ua products are tolerant of conventional data communications services and products such as those that
offer file sharing, e-mail services, and Internet access. However, these conventional data services can consume network resources and
ultimately degrade the performance of your DSP 322ua product. Therefore, we strongly encourage designers to limit traffic on their
audio control network to QSControl.net related communications.
Second, your DSP 322ua should not be installed on the same LAN or “virtual” LAN (VLAN) with distributed audio and/or video services.
While coexistence with conventional data communications services is tolerated to some extent, sharing a network with distributed
audio and/or video is not. Distributed media services can monopolize a network by sourcing high-bandwidth broadcast content to all
end stations. As a result, the performance of unintended recipients suffers. An experienced designer can apply techniques such as data
filtering to block media content, but the typical installation requires compliance to this second point in order to ensure reliable perfor-
mance from your QSControl.net network.
Third, we recommend designing networks with “switch” technology rather than deploying Ethernet repeaters. Doing so will provide a
network that is scalable and efficient and one that will offer real-time performance from your DSP 322ua products in the presence of
multiple control computers.
To learn more about network design rules and system compliance visit the QSC network resources page at http://www.qscaudio.com/
products/network/resources.htm.
The following examples will help get you started, but they just scratch the surface of what can be achieved with advanced network-
ing…
Example #1 - QSControl.net X-over mode:
This is the simplest connection you can make between the DSP 322ua and your computer. Use a CAT-5 crossover cable connected
between the DSP QSControl port and your computer's Network Interface Card, (NIC). No network switch is required. With QSCon-
trol.net server and client software installed and running on your computer you will be able to completely set up your DSP 322ua.